Vellarikka Khichadi
Vellarikka Khichadi, is a curd side dish made with cucumber, yoghurt and coconut. This dish is easy to make and refreshingly cool. It is one of the important dishes in the onam sadya menu. It is a yogurt based vegetarian dish, and can be served as a side dish for rice. Well…..I love to have them with chappathis as well. For making kerala khichadi you can use cucumber, ladies finger, carrot, ash gourd, bitter gourd etc. The cooking method is the same only the vegetable has to be replaced.
Now let’s try this recipe….
Kovakkai Mezhukkupuratty
Kovakkai or Ivy Gourd or Tendora is a commonly used vegetable to fry. It is largely available in Kerala. Now-a-days most of the people grow these in their homes. My in-laws daily harvest a lot of kovakkai. They get more than their fare share and end up distributing to their neighbours. I must say I love the kovakkai stir fry than the thoran made with these.
This is another quick recipe and can be made really fast. Okay…now take out your chopping boards and let’s start….
Mixed Vegetable Theeyal
Theeyal is a authentic and traditional dish from the Kerala cuisine. It mixes the flavour of roasted coconut and spices. The coconuts while roasting should not get burnt. My personal preference is to use dessicated coconut. Using dessicated coconut makes the process of roasting easier and quicker.
There are many variations to theeyal. You can make theeyal with vegetables, prawns, shallots (cheriya ulli), bitter gourd and other types of vegetables. The method is the same though the main ingredient or vegetable is varied.
Beans and Carrot thoran
Beans are a super healthy, super versatile and super affordable food. Beans are high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management. On the other hand, beetroots are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Beets also contain the vitamin B folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. A combination of these super veggies gives us immense health benefits.
Beetroot Carrot thoran
Beets and carrots are cool-season vegetables that add vibrant color and fresh flavor to your healthy diet. Though they are usually consumed as root vegetables, beet and carrot greens are also edible and highly nutritious. They have huge health benefits. Carrot is loaded with Vitamin A and is well known for its role in promoting healthy vision, particularly the ability to see in low light conditions. Carrot also help in preventing some forms of cancer. On the other hand, beetroots are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Beets also contain the vitamin B folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.